Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a meal in a bowl. Everything you need is right there, layered together, with each bite a little different from the last.
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the sweet and spicy combination. It’s a flavor profile that just wakes up your taste buds. That’s how this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl came to be.
It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together fast enough for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken, a fiery-sweet glaze, fresh veggies, and fluffy rice. It hits all the right notes.
This isn’t about creating a five-star dish with a million steps. It’s about making delicious, real food at home that you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s get into it.
What You’ll Need
Here is the full list of ingredients. I’ve broken it down by component to make your grocery trip easier.
For the Hot Honey Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Bowl Assembly:
- 4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (like steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or sliced cucumber)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Tools Required for This Recipe
You don’t need any fancy equipment. Here are the basics:
- Large skillet or pan
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls (at least two)
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or a spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to assemble your bowls. The key is to work efficiently, preparing one component while another cooks.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the cubed chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated. This coating is what will make the chicken extra crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Step 3: Brown on All Sides
Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Create the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Turn off the heat and whisk in the butter until it melts completely. This gives the sauce a nice, glossy finish.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken. Gently toss until all the chicken pieces are coated in the delicious glaze.
Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls
Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl. Top with a generous serving of the hot honey chicken. Add your favorite steamed or fresh vegetables on the side. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Bowl
After making this dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a real difference. Here are my top tips for success.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is the most important rule for crispy chicken. Cooking in batches gives each piece enough space to get a beautiful golden-brown crust. If you pile it all in at once, the chicken will steam instead of fry.
- Taste Your Sauce: Before you toss it with the chicken, taste the sauce. Is it spicy enough? Too spicy? Adjust it now. You can add more hot sauce for a bigger kick or a little more honey to sweeten it up.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before coating it in cornstarch, use a paper towel to pat the chicken pieces completely dry. A dry surface helps the coating stick better and results in a much crispier texture after cooking.
- Let the Chicken Rest Briefly: After cooking the chicken and before tossing it in the sauce, let it sit for just a minute or two. This small pause helps the crispy coating set, so it stays crunchy even after being drenched in that amazing sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas.
| Component | Original | Substitution Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken | Tofu, Shrimp, Chickpeas |
| Grain | White Rice | Quinoa, Farro, Cauliflower Rice |
| Sweetener | Honey | Maple Syrup, Agave Nectar |
| Vegetables | Broccoli | Bell Peppers, Edamame, Snap Peas |
For a different flavor twist, try adding a splash of lime juice to the sauce or a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Nutritional Info and Dietary Adaptations
While I’m not a nutritionist, here’s a general breakdown per serving (assuming four servings). This will vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approx. 550-650 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 40g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 60g
- Fat: Approx. 18g
Making this fit your diet is simple. Here are some common adjustments.
| Dietary Need | How to Adapt |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Ensure your hot sauce is certified gluten-free. |
| Low-Carb | Swap rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a sugar-free honey substitute. Skip the cornstarch. |
| Vegan | Use firm tofu (pressed well) or chickpeas. Swap honey for maple syrup and butter for a plant-based alternative. |
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Meal Prep
This bowl is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare most of the components ahead of time for quick assembly during the week.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook the chicken and rice up to 3 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
You can also mix the hot honey sauce and store it in a jar in the fridge. The veggies can be chopped and stored as well. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and rice, toss the chicken in the sauce, and assemble.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftover bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The chicken will lose some of its crispiness upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.
You can reheat it in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is this recipe very spicy?
Ans: You have complete control over the spice level. The heat comes from the hot sauce. Use a milder sauce like Frank’s for a gentle warmth, or a spicier one for more fire. You can also adjust the amount of hot sauce in the recipe. Start with less and add more to taste.
Q2. Can I make the chicken in an air fryer?
Ans: Absolutely. After coating the chicken, place it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked. Then, toss it with the sauce as directed.
Q3. What’s the best kind of honey to use?
Ans: A standard, mild clover honey works perfectly and is cost-effective. You don’t need a fancy or raw honey, as its delicate flavors will be masked by the hot sauce and other ingredients.
Q4. My sauce seems too thin or too thick. How can I fix it?
Ans: This is an easy fix. If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer on the stove for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon of water or broth at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Wrapping Up
This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a true kitchen hero. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable to whatever you’re craving or have in your fridge.
It proves that a satisfying, exciting meal doesn’t need to be complicated.
I hope you give this recipe a try. If you do, I would love to hear about it. Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or if you discovered any fun variations of your own!
